With the development of the internet and new technologies, it is not surprising that hackers have renewed their modus operandi. An Android or IOS device today is essential for your life because it helps you organize your time and activities. The phone has become a tool for work and a source for interacting with other people with just a few clicks on the screen.
Although mobile devices seem safe at first glance, the reality is that they can be exposed to hackers just like a computer. For this reason, try to protect them at all costs to avoid losing essential information for work or studies.
Malware on mobile devices
Malware or viruses for phones are a reality from which you cannot escape, but you are exposed to it daily. This malware is usually created by malicious people who somehow seek to extract important data. You could suffer a hacker attack on your Android or IOS device even when turned off, which shows the complexity of the problem. However, now that you realize the problem exists, you could also follow these tips to avoid falling into the trap:
- Create stronger passwords on your applications.
To prevent your mobile device from being hacked, you should create stronger passwords for your apps. Regardless of what type of apps you want to protect, you should try to create more secure access keys. In these passwords, you should include letters, numbers, and special symbols. Also, you should avoid using the most common passwords at all costs.
The more complex the passwords for access to social networks or applications of interest, the lower the exposure range. It is also convenient to avoid saving the keys automatically because the cache would be exposed to hackers.
- Install antivirus software.
You should also install an antivirus utility if you look for good protection on your Android or IOS device. You will see an extensive list of antiviruses in the App Store that could have an incredible reputation. It is good that you install an antivirus with more than 4 stars in evaluation within the App Store to know that its operation is good.
The use of antivirus on your mobile device could slow down some of its functions in exchange for greater protection. Antivirus will block websites they consider inappropriate to access from your mobile and prevent bad publicity.
- Do not enter malicious websites.
During your internet browsing, you should avoid visiting malicious websites that might contain malware. It is good that you access the websites located among the first 10 options that Google or Safari recommends. These selected web pages are the ones that offer you greater security and protection for your data.
Another piece of advice that you should take is that when you enter the web, do not accept the caches that the server offers you. The ideal is that you go unnoticed by the website, decreasing the range of taking harmful malware on your mobile. You can also use a VPN to hide your access online because the server will allow your native IP address to change.
- Avoid downloading apps outside the Play Store.
You should avoid downloading apps outside of the Android or IOS App Store. Hackers could create these third-party mobile apps to infiltrate your phone and extract data. You should stick to the App Store if you don’t want to expose yourself to mobile hackers.
Some APKs are lighter than the apps available on the App Store but have an unknown source. Instead, from this dedicated web store, you will have apps that have been verified for free download.
- Activate the screen lock.
A passive way in which you will prevent data leakage on your mobile is by activating the dedicated screen lock. In this way, you will know that any hackers will not use your device during its suspension stage. On the other hand, if the hacker is cunning enough to break into your phone with the lock on, he will also be limited in his functions.
You could also lock each mobile app individually if you want to increase its security. You could use fingerprint, pattern, number, and even face lock if you find it useful.
- Do not grant permissions to all mobile applications.
When you install the mobile applications, each one will ask you for permission to enter the gallery or other sections on your mobile. You should have good management when granting permissions per application and thus avoid creating a lack of control on your mobile. Ideally, you grant permissions to the applications that deserve it and disable them if you see it necessary.
- Avoid strange links by messaging.
The last tip to avoid hacking your mobile phone is to stay away from strange links. Currently, you could receive a link by Facebook, mail, and even WhatsApp that would be nothing more than a hoax. These links are usually accompanied by advertisements informing you that you have earned money or that there is a unique promotion for you.
When you see these types of strange links in messaging, the ideal is that you delete the message immediately. It is good that you access the links sent by dedicated companies such as Facebook.
Conclusion
Mobile phones offer great utility but are also a liability you must try to use correctly. If you want a great experience while using your Android or IOS device, it is good that you acknowledge your exposure to malware. However, it is a subject you should not be afraid of, but rather inform yourself enough to participate.
If you comply with the tips above, your IOS or Android device will certainly not be exposed to hackers. These hackers are easy to control, so you should not feel nervous about facing them.
Although Android phones would be more exposed to malware than Apple phones, this does not mean that the software is delicate. On the contrary, it is a complete operating system that only needs a little more attention in the face of malware exposure. Likewise, it would help if you were not trusted when using an IOS device because hackers are open to any device they can break into.
